Ranger Suarez signs with Red Sox, Phillies’ focus shifts to Bo Bichette, J.T. Realmuto

One of the best left-handers and big-game performers in Phillies history is heading to Boston.

Ranger Suarez has agreed to a five-year, $130 million deal with the Red Sox. After missing out on Alex Bregman, who agreed to a five-year, $175 million contract with the Cubs earlier this week, Boston pivots to the star southpaw and finally makes a big move this offseason.

Meanwhile, for the Phils, it is a dilemma they had thought they would be in. However, it still hurts.

Suarez is one of the coolest pitchers in the sport. Whether it was a businessman’s special in May or Game 3 of the World Series, the 30-year-old Venezuelan always brings the same approach and mindset. It is a special trait not many have.

The left-hander got a later start to his 2025 season, but finished with a 3.20 ERA and 151 strikeouts over 157.1 innings in 26 starts, including a 1.22 WHIP. He also came up huge in Game 3 of the NLDS against the Dodgers, where he piggybacked Aaron Nola and threw five innings of one-run ball while striking out four.

In 11 postseason appearances, including eight starts, Suarez holds a 1.48 ERA, the sixth lowest in MLB history for pitchers with more than 40 playoff innings, behind just Mariano Rivera, Sandy Koufax, Christy Mathewson, Eddie Plank, and Stephen Strasburg. Suarez’s most notable playoff appearance came in Game 5 of the 2022 NLCS. With runners on first and second and one out on the rainy afternoon, Suarez entered out of the bullpen and got the two outs on two pitches, sending the Phillies to their first fall classic in 13 years.

All of this, even with only seven qualified starters last season, owned a fastball with an average velocity lower than Suarez’s. The crafty lefty gets the pay-day he deserves. And especially good for the Phillies, it did not come from the Mets, who were rumored to be all over Suarez.

The Phillies will receive a draft pick after the fourth round of the 2026 MLB Draft as compensation for Suarez signing with Boston.

Suarez worked his way up the ranks with the Phils. He signed as an international amateur free agent in 2012 when he was 16 years old in Venezuela. He eventually made it to the majors in 2018 after four years in the system, when the Phillies needed an additional starting pitcher. He returned to Triple-A in 2019 but was a mainstay within the Phillies by the end of June. Suarez fluctuated between mid-inning reliever, to closer, and eventually to one of the best starting pitchers in baseball.

The Phillies currently have large contracts committed to Zack Wheeler, Nola, and Taijuan Walker in the starting rotation. With an interest in extending Jesus Luzardo and a hope for Andrew Painter to pan out, there really was no room for Suarez. With an open spot in the rotation, it is likely to be filled by Walker to start the season, though, depending on how the 22-year-old Painter looks this spring, he could take it.

Now, the Phils set their sights on Bo Bichette and keep an eye on how J.T. Realmuto‘s market develops.

The team held a virtual meeting with Bichette on Monday, which reportedly went very well. The Phillies have real interest in the 27-year-old infielder, but there are some things both parties will have to work through to get a deal done. And with the Red Sox signing Saurez to a large deal, it essentially removes them from the Bichette sweepstakes.

The Phils will also have to clear payroll to fit Bichette. Their 2026 payroll is projected to be $302.1 million, just below the fourth luxury-tax threshold at $304 million. If they strike a deal with Bichette, Alec Bohm is more than likely to be moved, who will make $10.2 million next season, and find a Realmuto replacement for somewhat cheaply.

It is unlikely the Phils retain Realmuto if they sign Bichette. However, with Realmuto basically having no market, that could happen.

Jon Heyman reported on MLB Network on Wednesday that Realmuto was offered a three-year deal by the Phillies this offseason. It is unclear when this three-year offer was made to Realmuto, but it is clear he is looking for some more money in the deal. The Phils made their last offer to him over a month ago, and since then have explored alternative options.

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